Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII announced for 2013

Coming to a PS3 and/or 360 near you next year

Words: Henry Gilbert on August 31, 2012

At simultaneous events being held in Seattle and Tokyo, publisher Square Enix unveiled new information on its flagship series Final Fantasy. Timed for the 25th anniversary of the franchise, the developers unveiled Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Described as the close to the story of FFXIII's heroine Lightning, Square didn't have any video to share, but \did give out some early details along with some concept art.

After being the lead in Final Fantasy XIII and taking the back seat in Final Fantasy XIII-2 to her sister Serah, Lightning is back as the playable main character in what Square is calling the "epic conclusion to Lightning's saga." Though not big on specifics, the producers on the title talked up an increase in customizability for the character and more direct character control in battles. The game makers then moved on to the setting, a world made up of four huge islands that are connected by a monorail. In a move reminiscent of Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, the world is doomed to ruin in 13 days, and Lightning has to save it in that time. The islands have cities and people that act around a day/night cycle, and are filled with the types of challenging monsters you've come to expect from the series.

The game is planned for release next year on the PS3 and the 360.

Platforms:

PS3, Xbox 360

Topics:

final fantasy

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CalamityEnsues - September 3, 2012 9:37 a.m.

It will be really funny when Versus XIII comes out and all you kids crying about it will be the first to hate it for not being a "true" Final Fantasy. I didn't play XIII-2, but I really loved XIII, so I'm curious to see how this one comes out.
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Fraught - September 2, 2012 7:04 a.m.

I saw this sentiment echoed a lot in the comments that've been posted prior to mine, but SERIOUSLY SQUARE ENIX WHAT THE FAKIN' FAK WHERE IS VERSUS XIII XJIAOWESHRUIGOAWUIHFAUIFA I want my Kingdom Hearts: Final Fantasy Edition more than most other games, but with these FFXIII games, I don't even have the smallest iota of enthusiasm.
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Rascanuvols - September 2, 2012 3:32 a.m.

*yawn* FF XIII-2 can be found new from £6.17, so I'm guessing it didn't sell that well. FF XIII was extremely divisive (and, imho, the main reason for defending it was justifiying all the hype) Really, Square, stop this.
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Talvari - September 1, 2012 7:21 p.m.

Pretty hyped for this :D The concepts and what they said in the presentation gives great promise for this. Screw the haters, at least they're trying something new xD
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BladedFalcon - September 1, 2012 7:48 a.m.

*Groans* So, instead of getting their shit together and finish Versus XII, the one spinoff that people ACTUALLY want, and that looked genuinely interesting. They go and waste time on a SECOND sequel on the crappiest FF installment in the series -.-
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IceBlueKirby - September 1, 2012 7:02 a.m.

I'm starting to think I'll never get to play Versus XIII. *goes off the cry in the corner*
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KA87 - September 1, 2012 6:29 a.m.

I really hope that this is a true concluding piece and not some Final Fantasy XIII 1.5 thing were they either explains what happened between games or that you play as Lighting in the shadows of Serah (kind of like Ada’s missions from RE4). Oh and no more “To Be Continued………” crap. No one wants to spent that many hours on something and have that be the ending.
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KnowYourPokemon - September 1, 2012 5:21 a.m.

So yeah.... Square Enix. Why not go and actually work on finishing the FFXIII people have actually been waiting the past few years for instead of this?
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Dante1924 - September 1, 2012 4:19 a.m.

Because another installment in the most divisive Final Fantasy series is exactly what fans were clamoring for. Come on Square, I understand why you would do a third one (to some degree), but please finish the projects you have going on, like Versus, or the complete relaunch of XIV before you start a new project.
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Clovin64 - September 1, 2012 3:57 a.m.

I had mixed feelings about XIII-2, but this looks promosing. Imagine a more open world, big cities, and a Kingdom Hearts style battle system.
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crazychase - September 1, 2012 10:13 a.m.

So you really want Versus XIII? Those are all features that Versus is said to encompass
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Clovin64 - September 1, 2012 11:33 a.m.

Yeah, but this new Lightning game will probably get relased before Versus :P
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sepirothpk - September 1, 2012 11:36 p.m.

The end of times will probably be released before versus :P Which is a shame, I'm really looking forwards to versus...
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Redeater - September 1, 2012 3:05 a.m.

I couldn't even bring myself to finish the second one. That game had backtracking in spades! Also, didn't Square come out when this name was leaked and specifically say that this awful title wasn't what the 3rd one was going to be called?
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GreatMuerte - September 1, 2012 2:24 a.m.

cant we just not do this and just move on in the series, i remember on time when i enjoyed all FF's, only just found the energy to finish FFIII 1 and the second one was not my cup of tea. just walk away, just walk away...please
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oryanbelt - September 1, 2012 12:21 a.m.

There better be more Sazh in this one
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ichigoame - September 1, 2012 12:14 a.m.

but WHERE MAH VERSUS XIII NEW TRAILER!!??
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SentientSquidMachine - September 1, 2012 6:45 a.m.

http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/5z25lw/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-japanese-gameplay-reveal-trailer Not new, but I keep thinking 'any week now, and they'll announce something'. But I've been saying that for 5 years.
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taokaka - August 31, 2012 11:48 p.m.

Lightning returns ........ to a totally new place. I really want a trailer, please square enix, please!!!!
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